Wednesday, September 30, 2020

A break from 111 words a day; returning to 111 words a day

On 22 August, I wrote my 235th 111-word text  in 2020. I was immersed in the daily pleasure and discipline of noticing ideas and getting one down. And I loved coming across something unexpected that immediately generated a new text. Often, it felt like a chore, but only until I began writing and the pleasure kicked in, even when I was tired. Then I got appendicitis and had to stop to take care of myself. Recently, I decided to start again on 1 October, but yesterday I had another moment of discovery I wanted to write up right away, so I began again. Here's to habit, discipline, pleasure, and daily discoveries. (Andrew Shields, #111words, 30 September)

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

"I see no reason to be over-optimistic": Looking ahead to 2021

A friend posted that a festival next week has been cancelled, with her invitation to perform being postponed until next year. But, she continued, the festival might well not take place next fall, either. I recently bought concert tickets for May and wondered whether it will actually take place. A line from a song went through my head that captures my train of thought: "I see no reason to be over-optimistic." It's from "1921" by The Who, from "Tommy." And the line that song begins with is hopeful: "Got a feeling '21 is going to be a good year." And of course I hope 2021 will be, but I'm not over-optimistic. (Andrew Shields, #111words, 29 September)